How to Create a Watermark in Microsoft Publisher

A watermark is a transparent image or text superimposed on the background of a document or photograph. Most contemporary publishing applications include a watermark creation feature. Learn how to add a watermark to your Microsoft Publisher documents using Publisher for Microsoft 365, Publisher 2019, Publisher 2016, and Publisher 2013.

Adding a Text Watermark in Microsoft Publisher

Adding a text-based watermark to a Microsoft Publisher document is easy.

1. With the document open, select Page Design.

2. In the Page Background group, select Master Pages > Edit Master Pages.

3. The Master Page is displayed. Select Insert.

4. Select Draw Text Box.

5. Draw a box that's about the size you have in mind (you can easily change the size later), then type in the desired text. 

6. Select the text you've typed, then use your pointer to right-click. Access the menu to change the font, font size, color, or other text characteristics. 

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7. Select Master Page > Close Master Page.

8. View your document and switch back and forth between it and the Master Page to make any needed modifications.

9. Save your document as you normally would.

Adding an Image Watermark in Microsoft Publisher

Adding a graphic-based watermark in Publisher is just as easy. 

1. With your Publisher document open, select PAGE DESIGN.

2. Select Master Pages > Edit Master Pages.

3. The Master Page is displayed. Select Insert.

4. Select either Pictures or Online Pictures. 

5. Locate and select the picture you want.

6. Drag the picture handles to adjust the image size.

   If you want to maintain the same ratio of height to width, hold down the Shift key as you drag one of the corner handles. 

7. To make other modifications, select the image and use your pointer to right-click. You can make changes to the color, size, transparency and other characteristics.

8. Select Master Page > Close Master Page.

9. View your document and switch back and forth between it and the Master Page to make any needed modifications.

10. Save your document as you normally would.

Why Use a Watermark?

Watermarks have several good uses. For one thing, you can quickly identify the status of your document with a large bit of text such as, "DRAFT," "Revision 2," or another term that identifies the version of a document. This is particularly helpful when several readers are reviewing drafts, as it is preferable to footer notations, which are often overlooked.

Watermarking is also useful for protecting your authorship status when a document is widely distributed, especially online. In such cases, you can use a watermark to identify yourself as the author; if you choose, you can incorporate a trademark or copyright notice as well. 

Finally, a watermark can be used decoratively to enhance your document's design.